Hotel Alessandra is located in the historic Palazzo Rosselli del Turco in one of Florence's most stunningly atmospheric medieval streets, the Borgo Santissimi Apostoli. You must climb via several flights of stairs, or take the old-fashioned, claustrophobia-inducing lift, but when you arrive at reception you find yourself in a charming, pensione-style establishment that throws you back to a time before mass-tourism. You will be welcomed by one of the family owners or their staff, all of whom are lovely people, unfailingly friendly and helpful. Alessandra is not the cheapest place in town, but it is very reasonable given the standard: not all rooms have private facilities, but the shared bathrooms are spotlessly clean. The rooms themselves are lovely; and all have free wireless access. Apropos of free internet, the staff have a VOIP phone, on which they will allow you to make a free phone call anywhere in the world (for ten minutes a day if I remember correctly). But you can Skype from your room with the password they provide, and surf the internet without any limit. Every room has its own little password operated, heavy-duty safe: you can safely leave passports and other valuables here. They are impregnable. Breakfast is served from 7.30 until 9.30 in the mornings and includes a wide choice of cereals, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, freshly made pastries every day (these are excellent!), coffee (genuine Italian or self-serve Americano for those who inexplicably prefer it), tea and hot chocolate, all served in a comfortable and spacious breakfast room. Hotel Alessandra is at the centre of the action, but it's wonderfully quiet, the staff, who speak excellent English, are always happy to answer questions or to help you negotiate anything you don't understand. Every time I have been I have been made to feel as if I were at home - I can't recommend this place too highly. (PS - very good to know is that literally across the street, about 7 steps from the front door of the Piazza Rosselli del Turco, is one of Florence's few remaining family-run Mesticherie, the Mesticheria Lapi. This is a very Florentine kind of household supply shop with everything from toothpaste and deodorant to electrical items, pens, pencils, insect repellent and every kind of widget. They also have a range of the increasingly hard to find 'cotta verde', a beautiful green and white speckled traditional style of crockery made in Tuscany. I always take a piece home when I'm in town. Just see if you can find something that they DON'T stock in this place! Really, really useful.)
